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When I first toured the university I attend now, the tour guide asked me if I was interested in Greek life. I vehemently shook my head no, only equipped with horror stories from my parents and from the ABC Family show Greek. After three years of attending a college where Greek life has a huge presence on campus, I have learned to move beyond my initial judgment of these institutions and adopt a more welcoming attitude.
There are a lot of stereotypes surrounding sororities, including that they are full of vapid and unintelligent girls. This could not be farther from the truth. Statistically, college graduation rates are 20% higher among Greeks than non-Greeks. Most sorority affiliations have above average grade point averages and have mandatory study hours for the rush process.
As a first year student, I was under the impression that all sororities did was party. Instead, after years of having friends involved in Greek organizations, I’ve been able to witness all the hard philanthropic work these organizations do throughout the academic year. According to the sorority Kappa Delta’s website, they have earned $6 million for their philanthropic efforts toward Prevent Child Abuse America.
In addition, I was also under the impression that being Greek meant participating in a society that promotes exclusivity. In turn, I have been able to see how many girls have found loving friendships from these organizations and have taken on positions that require diligence, hard work and responsibility
As a freshman, I also feared that having friends go Greek during our spring semester meant losing the friendships I had worked so hard to make. As it turns out, joining separate organizations and activities brought us closer, as we were able to express our interests and passions in other ways. Everyone has their niche in college, but it is up to you to find it.
I am not Greek myself, and I’m very content this way. I have found meaningful friendships without affiliating myself with the Greek community, although I have nothing but respect for the people that do. There are many routes to finding valuable friendships, philanthropy and productive uses of time to throw yourself in during your college years. If going Greek is what suits you, be sure to go for it and enjoy every moment.
